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MLB Draft 2016: Layne Bruner drafted by Baltimore Orioles in 18th round

Washington State left-handed pitcher Layne Bruner was drafted this morning as the 541st overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.

This season, Bruner made 13 appearances as a situational lefty, only pitching 10 innings, walking 17 batters and striking out 10, with an ERA of 7.20. He got off to a bit of a rocky start — particularly with the walks, which have been a problem throughout his career (he has issued 63 free passes in 47 innings pitched over three seasons) — but came on strong at the end of the season.

The Orioles have liked Bruner for awhile now: They drafted him out of high school in the 26th round during the 2013 MLB Draft, but he stuck true to his WSU commitment and joined the Cougars later that fall.